A group picture of the award winners and dignitaries
A 13-year-old student from Akatsico Practice School, Wosilatu Mohammed, has emerged as the overall national winner of the 2025 Girls-in-ICT Initiative, following an inspiring display of digital excellence at the climax ceremony held in the Volta Region on Wednesday, June 25.
Wosilatu, a Junior High School 2 pupil from Akatsi South Municipality, outperformed over 1,000 girls from across the region who underwent intensive training in coding, website and game development. Her curiosity, passion for technology, and determination to succeed turned initial hesitation into a triumphant journey, culminating in her recognition as the top performer of the programme.
For her exceptional achievement, Wosilatu was awarded a laptop, a commemorative plaque, and a cash prize of GH¢3,500. The top 100 performers in the programme also received laptops, certificates, plaques, and monetary rewards, as a testament to their hard work and excellence.
Speaking after receiving her award, Wosilatu extended special thanks to the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCDTI), the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), MTN Ghana, and the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (KACE) for organising and sponsoring the initiative, which she described as inspiring and impactful.
She also acknowledged the invaluable support of her family, teachers, and fellow students, whose encouragement she said played a key role in her journey to the top.
“I want to encourage every girl out there to believe in themselves, embrace ICT, and use the knowledge gained to bring about positive change in their communities,” she stated with confidence.
This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” marked a significant milestone in the national effort to close the gender digital divide and prepare more girls for careers in technology, science, and innovation.
Minister for Communications, Technology and Digital Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable digital access.
He disclosed that infrastructure expansion in underserved areas, particularly in the Volta Region, was being prioritised.
He also announced that, effective July 1, 2025, new and lower data tariffs would be introduced through strategic regulatory reforms, a move designed to make internet access more affordable for students, businesses, and rural communities.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, reaffirmed the region’s unwavering commitment to empowering young women through digital skills.
He stated the transformative potential of ICT education in shaping the future of girls and closing the gender gap in the digital economy.
He expressed optimism that the knowledge and exposure gained would not only inspire girls to pursue careers in technology, but also foster innovation and development within their communities.
Mr. Gunu assured continued regional support for such initiatives, stressing that digital inclusion is critical for inclusive national development.
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Naa Momo Lartey, appealed for long-term investment in girls’ digital education.
She emphasised that empowering girls with digital skills is key to national development, urging the girls to become agents of change in their communities.
“The digital economy is not a distant dream, it is our present reality. For too long, women and girls have been marginalised in the ICT world. This programme is helping to change that narrative,” she stated.
Dr. Lartey encouraged the participants to use their knowledge to solve local challenges and become digital role models in their schools and homes.
From Daniel K. Orlando, Ho